Harvey [DVD] [1950]

Released in 1950, Harvey's exploration of a loveable loon who prefers hanging around bars with a giant invisible rabbit to leading a "normal, responsible" life remains as timely as it is entertaining. Highlighted by an utterly perfect, low-key performance by James Stewart, this delightful adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play gets a good, if not definitive, DVD release. The pristine full-screen transfer lives up to William H. Daniels' beautiful black-and-white cinematography and shows how a moody noir look enhanced this dreamy, nocturnal comedy (Daniels lensed such dark crime films as Naked City and Brute Force). The audio track has also been cleaned up in Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono and, as an extra feature, Jimmy Stewart gives a lovely introduction to the movie. Harvey is the type of classic movie that viewers can watch over and over again, making it perfect for the DVD format.

Overview

Ratings & Reviews

Special Features

Special introduction by film star Jimmy Stewart with photographic montage

Theatrical trailer

Production notes on the making of the film

Cast and filmmakers' biographies and film highlights

Synopsis

HarveyThis whimsical fantasy about a local drunk's 6' 3 1/2" imaginary rabbit pal was a smash hit (and a Pulitzer Prize winner) on Broadway and was then adapted into this likeable farce that's also an allegory about tolerance. James Stewart stars as Elwood P. Dowd, a wealthy tippler whose sunny philosophy and inebriated antics are tolerated by most of the citizenry. That is, until Elwood begins claiming that he sees a "pooka" (a mischievous Irish spirit), which has taken the form of a man-sized bunny named Harvey. Although everyone is certain that Elwood has finally lost his mind, Harvey's presence begins to have magically positive effects on the townsfolk, with the exception of Elwood's own sister Veta (Josephine Hull), who, ironically, can also occasionally see Harvey. A snooty socialite, Veta is determined to marry off her daughter, Myrtle (Victoria Horne), to somebody equally respectable, and Elwood's lunacy is interfering. When Veta attempts to have Elwood committed to an insane asylum, however, the result is that she is accidentally admitted instead of her brother. Then the institution's director, Dr. Chumley (Cecil Kellaway), begins seeing Harvey, too. Hull, who reprised her part from the stage production, won an Oscar and a Golden Globe. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

A Longtime Favorite

A personal favorite and classic film. James Stewart ranks among my favorite actors and this is on my shortlist for one of his best films. While his strongest performances probably have to be credited to the films he made with Hitchcock and Capra, this film still has to rank as one of his most charming film roles

I would recommend this to a friend

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Ami95

Verified Purchase

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

One of the Best Movies Ever

Posted 8 months ago

Ami95

Verified Purchase

I LOVE Harvey! This movie is a unique timeless classic. Every actor is perfectly cast. Jimmy Stewart and Josephine Hull who plays his sister are shear perfection! I've watched Harvey many times and it never gets old.